ABOUT

An Daire Academy of Irish Dance was founded in 2006 by husband & wife team of Jim Mueller, ADCRG and Lauren Crowe-Mueller, ADCRG, Oregon's only certified Irish dance adjudicators. Like the oak tree from which our name comes, our dancers learn the benefits of hard work, strong character and deep roots in an environment focused on family, fun and fitness!

An Daire Academy dancers have won titles at the 2004, 2007, 2013 and 2014 Western US Regional Championships, the 2005 North American Championships, and placed as teams and soloists in the top 10 at the World Irish Dance Championships.

Our founders are dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Irish dance: they have taught lessons and workshops throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Colorado, Hawaii and Bermuda, and host five competitions each year.

We offer certified Irish dance instruction for all ages, ability levels and interests in multiple locations throughout the Portland Metro area. Our directors bring over 50 years combined teaching experience; competitive and recreational opportunities are available.

Lauren Crowe-Mueller, ADCRG

Lauren hails from Portland, Oregon, where she was a 1988 Rose Festival Princess. Trained in musical theater before applying her talents to Irish dancing, she has appeared on "Prime Time Country" and "Live At The Grand Ole Opry," danced with The Chieftains, and performed at renaissance festivals throughout the United States.

A two-time qualifier for the World Irish Dance Championships, Lauren spent much of 1999 and 2000 touring nationally with "Dancing on Common Ground." In addition, she appeared with husband, Jim, on the cover of the December 2000 issue of "Irish Dancing Magazine." In 2005, Lauren earned her TCRG, teacher's certification with the Irish Dance Commission (CLRG), and in 2017 earned her ADCRG, adjudicator's certification﻿﻿. Lauren has also appeared in nationally-syndicated television programs including TNT's "Leverage" and NBC's "Grimm."

Jim Mueller, ADCRG

A native of Portland, Oregon, Jim learned his first Irish steps as a post-graduate hobby, going on to become a successful international competitor, placing 2nd at the North American Championships and 4th at the All-Irelands.

Jim is a Western US Regional Champion and three-time qualifier for the World Irish Dance Championships. He spent 1999 and 2000 touring nationally with "Dancing on Common Ground," and with wife, Lauren, appeared on the cover of the December 2000 issue of Irish Dancing Magazine. In 2003, Jim earned his TCRG, teacher's certification with the Irish Dance Commission (CLRG). In 2010, he earned his ADCRG, adjudicator's certification, and now travels throughout North America much of the year judging Irish dance competitions. In 2012, Jim was elected Vice President of the North American Feis Commission, the first teacher to be elected to the executive board.